Sue Grove still finding sweetness of Ohio's flower in her hometown

There is perhaps no more significant project in the Alliance community than the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival, which brings thousands of people to the city of Alliance for 10 days of hometown fun.

This is Sue Grove's fifth year with the festival, after returning back to her hometown along with her high school sweetheart, Andrew, who also was raised in Alliance.

After following her husband, whose career in club management took the couple all over, they moved back to Alliance for family.

"I had a 38-year career in banking, mostly working in human resources (as well as) training and development. I judged the pageant in 2004 and 2006 and started as a member of the Pageant Committee in 2008," Grove continued.

"I always feel when you give, you will receive. I was selected to the festival board and served as a vice president for two years. Then the board changed the bylaws and this is my second year as festival board president. We hadn't had a president two years in a row for 30 years, so I consider the trust they placed in me a real honor."

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With its dozens of events, Grove is reliant on a working board, which includes four vice presidents, to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. "You have to be passionate and flexible. I'm able to utilize my project management and people person skills, and sometimes you just have to back into your vision," she added.

This is the 55th year for the festival, and Grove isn't afraid to look at what worked and what didn't. "I'm not afraid of Readers Tell Us, because it provides insight into the pulse of the community," the board president explained.

Some ideas are feasible, while others aren't. It's important that the board makes informed decisions.

"Last year, we added Channel 11 videotaping of entertainment as a result of an inquiry, and it was very well received -- especially with so many homebound. This year, we will add the Rib Fest acts," Grove said. "The Carnation Festival is a community effort, and we work all year on it. December is our only month off."

The willingness to take chances when opportunities fall slightly outside one's comfort zone is crucial, she noted. "I never went to college. I earned my way in the banking industry without a college degree. I worked hard to prove myself, showing the willingness to learn," Grove continued. "In life, windows and doors provide opportunities. It's your decision whether you step through them or not."

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When new Alliance Municipal Court Judge Andrew Zumbar heard through the grapevine about Grove's retirement, he wasted no time in calling to offer a part-time administrative assistant position in his office. And Grove quickly stepped through that window, looking forward to the opportunity to help people once again.

Between the festival and serving on the board of the Alliance Woman's Club, where she serves as an assistant treasurer and chairs the club's Ways and Means Committee, Grove keeps busy but still finds time for her husband, daughter Julie and two grandsons.

In fact, Sue and her husband are celebrating their 45th anniversary this month.

She also is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and participating with its Gift of Giving blanket program, the Hills and Dales Garden Club and the Alliance Country Club.

"We all have life experiences. Nothing is set in stone, no matter how hard we try sometimes," Grove concluded. "Everyone makes a different mark on their community. I just hope that my legacy is one of positivity."